A decade ago, the role of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO) was clear: keep systems stable and processes efficient.
Fast forward to today, and these tech leaders are driving digital transformation, integrating AI, assessing risks, and making ethical calls on new technologies. And according to Robert Half’s research, their strategic influence is only set to grow in the next ten years.
The lines are blurring
The Towards the C-Suite 2035 report reveals that seven out of ten European C-suite leaders expect CIOs and CTOs to play an even more vital role at the top table by 2035. At the same time, a striking trend is emerging: the two roles are merging.
“Especially in SMEs and start-ups, the CIO and CTO functions often overlap in one profile. They own the technology and help shape business strategy,” says Jan Vandenbussche, Regional Director at Robert Half.
The rise of the hybrid digital leader
For smaller organisations, there’s often no budget—or need—for two separate roles. A hybrid function that covers internal IT (traditionally the CIO’s domain) and innovation/product development (CTO territory) makes perfect sense.
In larger companies, a new title is gaining ground: Chief Technology Transformation Officer (CTRO). This leader identifies opportunities, sets strategic direction, and ensures smooth tech adoption.
Three-quarters of C-suite respondents even see the CTRO as one of the most important new boardroom roles by 2035.
War for talent 2.0
Here’s the challenge: the mix of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership is rare.
Over half of European business leaders are concerned about finding the right digital leaders over the next decade. And the profile is getting more complex—requiring expertise in quantum computing, agentic AI, and blockchain, along with the ability to address ethical considerations like data use and AI bias.
Build leaders from within
External hiring alone won’t cut it. Companies must invest internally in training, mentoring, and career pathways.
“Lifelong learning will be the key to building tomorrow’s technology leaders,” says Vandenbussche. “Organisations that invest in talent development today are actively creating the CIOs, CTOs, and CTROs of the future.”
The ideal profile for 2035
According to the research, tomorrow’s successful digital leaders will combine:
Technical skills in AI, data, cloud architectures, and cybersecurity
Strategic insight linking technology to business goals
Ethical awareness when making tech decisions
Strong communication and leadership in change processes
Change agility and the ability to foster an innovation culture
Collaboration skills to bridge IT, HR, finance, operations, and leadership
The strategic linchpin
Read the entire C-Suite report here
The CIO/CTO of the future will be far more than a tech expert—they’ll be a visionary translating technology into business results and building trust in innovation.
Companies that start preparing now will have a clear competitive edge—both technologically and strategically.
